SANDRA’S ASIAN CABBAGE MANDARIN RAMEN SALAD

This healthy salad is

just as vibrant as it is delicious…

Servings: 10-12

Prep: 30 Mins.

Refrigerate: Min. of 1 hr. before serving

 

INGREDIENTS

 

Salad

 

6 cups shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

1 pkg chicken ramen noodles broken into small pieces, reserving seasoning pkt for dressing

½ red bell pepper, julienned

¼ cup sliced green onions, both white and green parts

2 (13-oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained

¼ cup toasted and chopped almonds

 

Dressing

 

½” piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 garlic clove, grated

Seasoning pkt from ramen

½ cup canola oil

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 TB rice wine vinegar

¼ c lemon juice

2 TB low-sodium soy sauce

1 TB agave

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

 

METHOD

 

Place all the salad ingredients into a large bowl. 

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until emulsified.

 

Pour the dressing over salad mixture and toss coat evenly.

 

Cover and store in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before serving. ~ Enjoy!

 

SANDRA'S SOURDOUGH and AVOCADO PANZANELLA

It's terrific how these pickled red onions become so crispy

while being refrigerated in this flavorful brine

giving you a delicious sweet-salty vib...

Servings: 4

Prep: 10 Mins.

Toast bread cubes: 12 Mins.

Let stand: 10 Mins.

Sourdough Baguette (recipe)

INGREDIENTS

Panzanella:

2 cups cubed sourdough baguette (measure after cubing)

2 cups chopped tomatoes (measure after chopping)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/4 cup sliced pickled red onions

2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Final addition:

1 avocado, cut into 1/2" cubes

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Arrange the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until lightly toasted, about 12 minutes.

Pickled Red Onions (recipe)

Meanwhile, place chopped tomatoes in a colander placed over a bowl, and toss them with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Let stand 10 minutes to allow excess liquid to drain, discard juices in bowl.

Whisk the olive oil and vinegar together in a large bowl. Add the toasted sourdough cubes, chopped tomatoes, pickled red onions, basil, and pepper; toss to coat.  Let stand for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.

Just prior to serving, gently fold in the cubed avocado, and then serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

A classic dressing that I've been making for years!

It's my 'go to' dressing to enhance grilled Reuben sandwiches,
moose and venison burgers,
iceberg wedge salads,
as a dip for fresh veggie sticks, etc...

Yield: Appx. 2 cups

Prep: 15 mins.

Chill: 2 hrs. minimum

INGREDIENTS

1 cup prepared mayonnaise (I use Best Foods)

1/2 cup Ketchup (I use Heinz)

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup finely diced sweet gherkins

1 large egg, hard boiled, cooled, peeled and finely diced

METHOD

Mix all ingredients in a small glass bowl. Transfer to a glass wide-mouth pint-size Mason jar, cover with a plastic lid, and chill for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 2 wks. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN HEARTY MOOSE LASAGNA

I created this lasagna recipe

using ingredients I had on hand this morning.

It turned out fabulous just in time for lunch!

We'll be enjoying this for dinner as well...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 1 Hr.

Let Stand: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

Moose meat sauce: 
--(When using no-boil lasagna noodles, it's imperative that the sauce be thinner than normal so the correct lasagna consistency is achieved):

1 lb. extra-lean moose burger 

--(or other types of meat, although drain after browning if non-extra-lean burger is not used)

1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped button mushrooms

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

2 teaspoons balsamic

1 teaspoon worcestershire

2 teaspoons amber agave

1 (24 oz jar) Newman's Own Organic Tomato Basil marinara sauce

1/4 cup water (to rinse marinara jar, as this sauce is rather thick)

1 (15. oz. can) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained

Cheeses:

4 cups shredded fiesta blend cheese, divided

1 (15 oz. container) ricotta

1/4 cup finely shredded fresh parmesan, plus more for final topping

Pasta:

12 no-boil lasagna pasta sheets

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set aside a 9x12" glass baking dish sprayed with oil, and place atop a slightly larger foil-lined baking sheet.

Moose meat sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium high-heat, brown the burger half way about 3 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper and onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and set aside.

Cheeses:

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, gently combine 2 cups of fiesta blend cheese, ricotta and parmesan. Set aside, along with remaining 2 cups of fiesta blend cheese.

Pasta:

Lay out no-boil lasagna sheets; set aside.

ASSEMBLY:

Lightly cover bottom of prepared glass baking dish with a bit of sauce.

Then begin layering with 3 sheets of no-boil pasta, 3/4 cup of sauce, 3/4 cup of cheese mixture; repeat 3 times.

Final layer: Place 3 sheets of no-boil pasta, the remaining sauce, and top with reserved 2 cups of fiesta cheese, including a final sprinkling of parmesan.

Assembled lasagna, ready for the oven...

BAKE:

Cover baking dish with foil (sprayed underneath with oil to prevent cheese from sticking while baking). Bake for 45 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, until lasagna is bubbly and golden on top. 

Remove lasagna from oven and let stand on wire rack, uncovered, for 15 minutes prior to slicing. Serve lasagna with your favorite dressed garden salad. ~ Enjoy!

MAX'S RITZ CRUSTED ALASKA HALIBUT FILLETS

An incredibly quick, easy and fabulous halibut dinner
my husband made the other night...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins.
Cook: 5 to 7 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

Frying:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Halibut prep:
4 boneless, skinless halibut fillets (ensure they are of even 1" thickness)
Olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 sleeve whole ritz crackers, finely crushed

Serving Sauce:
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup mayonnaise

METHOD:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add olive oil and butter.

Meanwhile, pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels.  Brush all sides of fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides as well with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.

Place ritz crackers in a small shallow dish, press halibut fillets in cracker crumbs to amply coat.

Fry fillets, not touching, in preheated skillet without moving for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn fillets over, and continue to fry without moving for 2 to 3 minutes longer.

Remove fillets from skillet to a platter and let juices redistribute (without covering).

While doing so, prepare sauce by whisking ketchup and mayonnaise in a small bowl, then serve alongside halibut fillets. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip: We ate these incredible halibut fillets with a nice side dish consisting of a large green salad gently tossed with light vinaigrette...

SANDRA'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT-STYLE SALAD and DRESSING

This light and flavorful salad n' dressing tastes very similar to major Japanese
chain restaurants and pairs stupendously with Asian main dishes...

Prep: 15 Mins.
Servings: (6 to 8)

INGREDIENTS:

Dressing (Yields 1-1/2 cups):
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet white onion
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons ground ginger (or 2 tablespoons freshly grated)
2 tablespoons minced celery
3 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sandra's Restaurant-Style Japanese Salad Dressing
(Click for recipe)...

Salad:
1 bunch heart of romaine, sliced into 2-1/2" x 1/4" strips
1 carrot, shredded
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced on the diagonal

Garnish:
--Toasted sesame seeds

METHOD:

Add all dressing ingredients in order listed in blender.  Place lid on top, and blend on high speed for a minimum of 30 seconds, until dressing is smooth. Let dressing stand a minimum of 4 hours in refrigerator for flavors to meld before serving.

Add all salad ingredients to a medium glass bowl, and toss to combine. (I like to place the salad in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to ensure it is cold prior to serving.)

When preparing individual servings of salad, top each with a light drizzle of dressing and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S RESTAURANT-STYLE JAPANESE SALAD DRESSING

For a fast and easy Japanese dressing recipe tasting super similar
to those found in top-notch Japanese restaurants ~ This one's for you!

Yields: (1-1/2 cups)
Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup finely chopped sweet white onion
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons ground ginger (or 2 tablespoons freshly grated)
2 tablespoons minced celery
3 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

METHOD:

Add all ingredients in order listed in blender.  Place lid on top, and blend on high speed for a minimum of 30 seconds, until dressing is smooth. Let dressing stand a minimum of 4 hours in refrigerator for flavors to meld before serving. ~ Enjoy!

Sandra's Japanese Restaurant-Style Salad
(Click for recipe)...

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip: Store dressing in refrigerator in a tightly covered glass container for up to 1 week. It's also fab as a condiment on hoagie roll and grilled sandwiches...or, as a dip for veggies (quite a thin dressing, but I like it that way as it's not supposed to be thick: FYI)

SANDRA’S SUMMER CUCUMBER-ONION-RED BELL PEPPER SALAD

A wonderful refreshing, light and healthy

summertime salad that’s a great

accompaniment to any barbecue or main dish... 

Servings: (4)

Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 cucumber, peeled, cut in quarters lengthwise, then into ½” chunks

½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced

½ red bell pepper, cut into ½” pieces

¼ teaspoon freshly chopped oregano (or 1/8 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon freshly chopped sweet basil (or ½ teaspoon dried)

1 tablespon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a small glass/ceramic (non-reactive) bowl, and toss to combine.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes prior to serving to allow flavors to meld.  Toss a final time, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  I made this salad with what I had on hand today, although feel free to also include fresh tomato wedges and kalamata olives if you wish, just increase the amount of red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and herbs, accordingly.

SANDRA’S SPRING ASIAN SWEET PEA GREEN SALAD with HONEY-LIME DRESSING

I created this vibrant and crunchy salad today,

mainly from "green" ingredients I had on hand;

it’s superb and will fare well alongside any main dish...

Servings: (8 to 10)

Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:

4 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lime juice

Salad:

6 cups romaine lettuce, torn

1-1/2 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed, and pat dry

1 (8 oz. can) sliced water chestnuts, drained, pat dry, and cut into slivers

3 ribs celery, diagonally sliced

4 long green onions (green parts only), sliced

Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

--(Or, 2 tablespoons dried parsley)

Garnish:

--Toasted sesame seeds

METHOD

In a medium glass (or non-reactive) bowl, add and whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Toss in all salad ingredients, and fold to combine. To serve, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I served this salad for lunch with homemade meatloaf, and smashed potatoes with sour cream and chives topped with mushroom-sage gravy. We'll also have this same salad this evening for dinner with barbecue pulled pork burgers.

SANDRA’S FRESH and LIGHT TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD

I at first served this fresh salad as is,

then later with a dollop of yogurt.

I found both methods to be incredibly delicious....

Serves: (8 to 10)

Bearrs Seedless Limes
were used  in this recipe
from my indoor dwarf
citrus tree...

Prep: 15 Mins.

Stand: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:

1 tablespoon honey

6 mint leaves, finely sliced
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Fresh Fruit:

1 mango, peeled and chopped

1 papaya, peeled and chopped

1 gala apple, cored and chopped

1 granny smith apple, cored and chopped

2 cups whole red seedless grapes

6 whole strawberries, sliced

1-1/2 cup pineapple, chopped

Garnish:

-Sprig of whole mint leaves

METHOD

In a large, glass (non-reactive) bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, and mint.  Add all the prepared fruit, toss with a wooden spoon to combine ensuring all the dressing has been incorporated. Let salad stand 15 minutes, toss, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S LUSCIOUS ALASKA DUNGENESS CRAB CAKES with SEAFOOD AIOLI

Simply put, this is another reason why I love living in Alaska! 
Yum...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Chill: 20 Mins.

Cook: 8 to 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Seafood Aioli: (Yields ½ cup)

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning

¼ teaspoon sriracha (Asian hot sauce)

Fresh-Cooked Lump
Alaska Dungeness
Crab Meat

Crab cakes:

¼ cup mayonnaise

½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoons dijon

1 teaspoon worcestershire

¼ teaspoon sriracha (Asian Hot Sauce)

Pinches of fine-grain sea salt and white pepper

½ lb. cooked lump dungeness crab meat, picked over

--For frying:

----1 tablespoon vegetable oil

----1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Garnish:

1 green onion, finely sliced (green and white parts)

METHOD

Prepare steamed basmati rice, according to package directions (if using) beforehand.

Whisk the aioli (sauce) ingredients in a small bowl. Taste; add more sriracha sauce if you like it spicier.  Refrigerate for flavors to meld.  Store leftovers, covered, in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Sandra's Creamy Seafood Aioli

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, add all crab cake ingredients, except crab meat; mix to incorporate.  

Gently fold in the crab meat, just until incorporated. 

Shape mixture into four 1” thick crab cakes; transfer to a wax paper-lined plate.

Refrigerate formed crab cakes until firm for a minimum of 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Heat oil and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add crab cakes and cook until golden on bottom, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, for a total of 8 to 10 minutes. 

Transfer crab cakes to individual plates, and serve topped with Seafood Aioli and garnish with sliced green onions, with a side of steamed basmati rice drizzled with ginger soy sauce. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  I served these crab cakes with steamed basmati rice and ginger soy sauce, including the following as a first course:

Sandra's Ultimate Dungeness Crab Salad:
Click link for recipe...

SANDRA’S ULTIMATE ALASKA DUNGENESS CRAB SALAD

I keep the ingredients

to a minimum so the flavor of the
dungeness crab is paramount...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped or torn

1 tomato, chopped

1 rib of celery, sliced

1 green onion, sliced

½ teaspoon salad elegance

Pinches of fine-grain sea salt and white pepper

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

½ lb. ½ lb. cooked lump dungeness crabmeat, picked over

METHOD

Fresh-Cooked Lump
Alaska Dungeness Crabmeat

In a medium bowl add all the salad ingredients, except the crabmeat, and mix to combine.  Gently fold in the crabmeat, just until incorporated. Transfer crab salad to individual bowls, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S 5-MINUTE FRESH APPLE SPINACH SALAD

This is a mouth-watering addition

to the table with the red and green

contrast of ingredients.

The versatile creamy sweet vinaigrette

would also pair nicely with any other

salad greens or toppings...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Creamy Sweet Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

¼ teaspoon celery seeds

Pinches of salt and fresh white pepper

Salad:

4 cups baby spinach

1 red delicious apple, unpeeled, cored and chopped

METHOD

In a small glass bowl, whisk the creamy sweet vinaigrette ingredients until combined. 

Sandra's Creamy Sweet Vinaigrette Recipe

To serve, divide the spinach and apples among 4 salad bowls, then drizzle with creamy sweet vinaigrette.  Enjoy!

SANDRA’S CREAMY SWEET VINAIGRETTE

This versatile creamy sweet vinaigrette

would pair nicely with any

salad greens or toppings...

Yields: (Appx. ½ cup)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

¼ teaspoon celery seed

Pinches of salt and fresh white pepper

METHOD

In a small glass bowl, whisk the creamy sweet vinaigrette ingredients until combined. 

To serve, drizzle creamy sweet vinaigrette over salad greens and your choice of toppings.  Enjoy!

A salad that pairs very nicely with this vinaigrette:

Sandra's 5-Minute Fresh Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

MAX’S IRRESISTIBLE HAM and VEGGIE PASTA SALAD

A wonderful pasta salad for potlucks,

‘game day’, get-togethers,

or just because...

Servings: (8-10)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

½ lb. elbow pasta, cooked and cooled

--(Max prefers Barilla due to ridges in the macaroni)

2 cups cooked and cubed ham

5 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

6 radishes, thinly sliced

3 green onions, finely sliced

2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles 

--(Max prefers Nalley Baby Dills)

1 small can sliced black olives, drained

1 cup mayonnaise

--(more or less to your desired moistness)

1-1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

½ teaspoon old bay seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic granules

½ teaspoon onion granules

½ teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain in colander while running cold water over noodles to quickly cool.  Pour drained pasta in a large bowl, and add the remaining ingredients.  Gently fold to combine. Let stand, covered, for a minimum of 1 hour in refrigerator for flavors to meld, then serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S CLASSIC STROGANOFF over WIDE EGG NOODLES

A classic go-to recipe I have

prepared for my family

for many, many years that’s

very quick, easy, and tasty...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Cook: 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. lean venison burger (or beef)

2 large shallots, minced

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 cup sliced fresh button mushrooms

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup

1 can of milk (use soup can)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 teaspoons worcestershire

2 tablespoons quality white wine

3/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Garnish:

1 – Green onion (green part only), finely sliced

--1 (12 oz. pkg.) wide egg noodles prepared according to package directions

METHOD

Brown ground beef over medium-high heat with shallots until beef is no longer pink and shallots are translucent.

Add garlic and mushrooms; sauté for 2 minutes. Add flour, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine; cooking for 1 minute.  

Add soup and remaining ingredients, except sour cream and parsley. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes; stirring occasionally. 

Remove skillet from heat, and stir in sour cream and parsley. 

Stir to combine.

Serve over prepared wide egg noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip: I like to serve this main dish with a hearty garden salad drizzled with light vinaigrette.

SANDRA’S REFRESHING TOMATO CUCUMBER and BASIL SALAD

A vibrant and delicious salad
you can prepare in minutes
that is so very refreshing and satisfying...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 cucumber peeled, and sliced

1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

¼ red onion, julienned

1 tablespoon fresh torn basil

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

In a medium glass bowl, toss together grape tomatoes, cucumber, onion, basil, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.  Add kosher salt and pepper, to taste.

Let salad stand 15 minutes for flavors meld prior to serving.

SANDRA’S LEMON-HONEY-DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Drizzle vinaigrette over your favorite

combination of organic salad greens

and other mixed fresh vegetables...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 meyer lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon dijon

2 tablespoons honey

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of freshly ground pepper

4 tablespoons light olive oil

METHOD

Add all vinaigrette ingredients to all small glass bowl, except olive oil.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify, then let stand for 15 minutes for flavors to meld.  ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  Vinaigrette will store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, just ensure to shake before serving.

SANDRA’S ORGANIC FALL HERB GARDEN SALAD with LEMON-HONEY-DIJON VINAIGRETTE

A robustly delicious salad

that perfectly accompanies

any entree...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Vinaigrette:

1 meyer lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon dijon

2 tablespoons honey

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of freshly ground pepper

4 tablespoons light olive oil

Salad:

6 cups mixed herb and salad greens

6 radishes, cut in half and sliced

2 roma tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges

1 tablespoon julienned red onion

¼ orange bell pepper, chopped

½ cup sliced celery

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Place all vinaigrette ingredients into all small glass bowl, except olive oil.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify, then let stand for 15 minutes for flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, gently toss salad ingredients in a medium bowl.

To serve, distribute salad ingredients among four salad bowls, then drizzle each with desired amount of vinaigrette. ~ Enjoy!

Tip:  I recently served this delicious salad with Sandra's Awesome Albacore Tuna Noodle Casserole:

Sandra's Awesome
Albacore Tuna Noodle Casserole

SANDRA’S CRAZY-DELICIOUS GRILLED CHICKEN CRANBERRY SALAD

This recipe was derived from

ingredients I had on-hand today,

and I must say, “This is one impeccable salad!”

Servings: (4)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Grill: 5 Mins. (In batches)

INGREDIENTS

Creamy Honey Poppy Seed Dressing: (Yields 1 cup – Prep 5 Mins.)

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

2 teaspoons poppy seeds

¾ cup mayonnaise

Pinch of fine-grain sea salt

Salad:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut crosswise into ½” thick slices

6 cups of a combination of both romaine and iceberg lettuce

½ cup goat cheese crumbles

½ cup dried cranberries (craisins)

1/3 cup toasted pine nuts

METHOD

Preheat indoor cast iron grill or skillet to medium-high heat.

Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside ¼-cup of dressing separately to baste grilled chicken.

Creamy Fireweed Honey and Poppy Seed Dressing

Spray hot grill, and cook chicken slices in separate batches so as not to overcrowd, by grilling the first side without disturbing (to form proper grill marks) for 3 minutes while brushing tops of chicken with the ¼-cup of dressing.

Flip chicken pieces over and continue grilling the other side for 2 minutes.  

When each batch has finished grilling, remove chicken slices to the plate, and then continue on.  

Toss any of the remaining ¼-cup of dressing used to baste the chicken.

When all chicken slices have finished grilling, divide lettuce among 4 plates. Top each serving with grilled chicken slices, goat cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, and toasted pine nuts.  Lightly drizzle your desired amount of the reserved ¾-cup of dressing over all four salads, then serve. ~ Enjoy!

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Tips:  Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat, just until light golden brown and slightly fragrant.  Also, feel free to store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.